Apparatus and method for preparing index prints based on the number of frames to be indexed

ABSTRACT

To obtain an index print prepared by effectively utilizing photographic paper, magnetic information is read in accordance with feed of a negative film (202, 204), and a relevant index format is selected according to a number of photograph frames of the negative film to determine an index print size corresponding to the selected index format (206, 208). Next, each frame is subjected to exposure processing to accumulate image data respondent to the index format (210). Upon completion of the exposure processing of the negative film, the accumulated image data are read (212) to conduct index printing by using the read image data to cut in accordance with the index print size (214, 216). Accordingly, an index print is produced in a size respondent to a number of frames.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for preparingindex prints, and in particular relates to an apparatus and a method forpreparing index prints for forming, on one print, all image framescorresponding to one roll of photographic film.

2. Description of the Prior Art

One roll of photographic film has a plurality of frames capable of usefor photographing. Several types are available, such as those forphotographing 12, 24 or 36 shots, depending on the number of frames. Anindex print capable of corresponding to photographed images has beenhitherto given to the customer in some cases to indicate the contents ofthe images photographed on one roll of photographic film. On the indexprint, images of a predetermined number of frames in a predeterminedsize, for example, 25 images (5×5) have been formed by using a size ofone sheet of paper. Therefore, one index print has been given to thecustomer in case of photographic films for photographing 12 or 24 shots,and two index prints have been given to the customer in case of aphotographic film for photographing 36 shots.

Accordingly, when the index print(s) having images of the predeterminednumber of frames in the predetermined size is (are) used, 13 frames withno recorded image or 1 frame with no recorded image remain in the indexprint for the photographic films for photographing 12 shots or 24 shots,and 14 frames with no recorded image remain on a second index print forthe photographic film for photographing 36 shots. Thus the entiresurface of the index print has not been utilized effectively.

For this reason, an apparatus for preparing index prints has beenproposed, in which the contraction factor of the size of frames to berecorded on an index print is changed so as to include all photographframes in one index print (see Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 1-96634).

However, in the conventional apparatus for preparing index prints, indexframes become small as the number of frames increases, because the sizeof images formed on the index print varies depending on a number ofphotographed image frames. Thus a user has sometimes experiencedproblems in recognizing a desired image frame.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Considering the facts described above, it is an object of the presentinvention to obtain an apparatus and a method for preparing indexprints, in which the entire surface of an index print can be utilizedeffectively, and a user can make recognition easily and appropriately.

In order to achieve the object described above, an apparatus forpreparing index prints according to the present invention includes imagestoring means for storing images obtained by image pick-up fromphotograph frames formed on a photographic film, photograph frame numberdetecting means for detecting a number of photograph frames on thephotographic film, storing means for storing plural pieces of indexformat information which determine arrangements of the photographframes, selecting means for selecting a piece of index formatinformation from the plural pieces of index format information inaccordance with the number of photograph frames, and forming means forforming an index print of the photographic film by printing the storedimages onto printing paper to correspond to an arrangement of theselected piece of index format information.

The photograph frame number detecting means can detect the number ofphotograph frames by reading previously recorded photograph frame numberinformation for representing the number of photograph frames of thephotographic film.

The forming means can form the index print of the photographic film bysequentially printing the images onto the printing paper having a printsize corresponding to the detected piece of index format information.

The size of the images to be printed onto the printing paper may bepreviously determined, and the size of the printing paper may bedetermined depending on the number of the stored images.

The apparatus for preparing index prints according to the presentinvention includes the image storing means. The image storing meansstores the images obtained by photographing the photograph frames formedon the photographic film. The photograph frame number detecting meansdetects the number of photograph frames on the photographic film. Thenumber of photograph frames may be a number of all photograph framescapable of use for photographing on the photographic film, or a numberof photograph frames excluding photograph frames which are not subjectedto photographing or have photographic failure.

The number of photograph frames can be detected by using a distance offeed of the photographic film, counting a number of photograph frames,or using a previously input number of photograph frames. If anyphotograph frame number information is stored in the photographic film,the number of photograph frames or the number of photograph framescapable of use for photographing on the photographic film can bedetected by reading the photograph frame number information of thephotographic film. The storing means stores plural pieces of indexformat information which determine arrangements of the photographframes. The selecting means selects a piece of index format informationfrom the plural pieces of index format information in accordance withthe number of detected photograph frames. The forming means forms theindex print of the photographic film by sequentially printing the storedimages onto the printing paper to correspond to an arrangement of theselected piece of index format information.

The forming means can form the index print of the photographic film bysequentially printing the images onto the printing paper having a printsize corresponding to the detected piece of index format information.The size of images to be printed onto the printing paper for the indexprint may be previously determined, and the size of the printing papermay be determined depending on the number of stored images.

Accordingly, the formed index print can be formed on one printcorresponding to the predetermined piece of index format information,and the entire printing paper can be utilized effectively.

In the foregoing, when all photograph frames capable of use forphotographing on the photographic film are detected, the index print canbe formed for one roll of photographic film as having blanks forphotograph frames not subjected to photographing or having photographicfailure. Thus any photograph frame can be easily collated with acorresponding photograph frame not subjected to photographing or havingphotographic failure, if any. Alternatively, when a number ofphotographic frames excludes photographic frames not subjected tophotographing or having photographic failure is determined, an indexprint can be formed, which contains only photograph frames capable ofbeing printed contained on one roll of photographic film. Thus the sizeof the index print can be appropriately set, and no photograph frame notsubjected to photographing or having photographic failure isindex-printed as an empty frame. Accordingly, the index print can beutilized by a user as information of only photograph frames satisfactoryfor printing, and the printing paper can be utilized effectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a flow of a main control routine of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic construction of aphotograph printer to which the present invention can be applied;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic construction of an imageprocessing unit of the photograph printer according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic construction of a colorline printer;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a negative film;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary format for recording magnetic information of anegative film;

FIG. 7 is an image view showing an index format for 15 frames;

FIG. 8 is an image view showing an index format for 27 frames;

FIG. 9 is an image view showing an index format for 39 frames;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a flow of exposure processing for everyone frame of a negative film;

FIG. 11 is an image view showing cut marks for cutting a color papersheet;

FIG. 12 is an image view showing a color paper sheet containing printshaving different sizes; and

FIG. 13 is an image view showing an index print corresponding to anegative film containing photograph frames photographed in differentsizes.

EMBODIMENT

An embodiment of the present invention will be explained below in detailwith reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the apparatus forpreparing index prints according to the present invention is applied toa photograph printer (so-called "digital printer") which forms prints byconverting images photographed on a negative film into digital images.

As shown in FIG. 2, a photograph printer 100 of this embodimentcomprises a film processing unit 110 for conducting processing such asreading of photographed images from a negative film, and a paperprocessing unit 120 for exposing images onto a color paper sheet inaccordance with the read photographed images and for conductingprocessing such as development (details will be described below).

A negative film 10 on which development processing has been made isarranged in the film processing unit 110. The negative film 10 is fed bypairs of feed rollers 11, 12 and 13. A magnetic head 15 is arrangedbetween the pairs of feed rollers 11, 12 to allow it to contact with thenegative film 10. The magnetic head 15 is a device for reading magneticinformation recorded in a magnetic layer (details will be describedbelow) of the negative film 10 during the feed of the negative film 10.The magnetic head 15 is connected to a magnetic reading unit 16. Themagnetic reading unit 16 converts output signals outputted from themagnetic head 15 into information containing magnetic informationrelevant to index printing described below, and then outputs them to animage processing unit 17 including a main microprocessor 68 (FIG. 3) forexecuting a main control routine (FIG. 1) described below.

A light source unit 20 is arranged between the pairs of feed rollers 12,13 and under the negative film 10. A slit plate 21, a lens 22 and a linesensor 23 are arranged in this order over the light source unit 20beyond the negative film 10. The slit plate 21 has a long and narrowslit 21a formed in the widthwise direction of the negative film 10. Animage (linear image) on the negative film 10 irradiated by the lightsource unit 20 passes through the slit 21a, and is focused on a devicesurface of the line sensor 23 by the lens 22.

The line sensor 23 comprises a color line sensor with a plurality ofarranged CCD devices and arranged color filters of R, G and B on each ofdevice surfaces, and is connected to an image reading circuit 24. Theimage reading circuit 24 takes in image data of each of the three colorsof the negative film 10 through the line sensor 23 in synchronizationwith the feed of the negative film 10. The taken-in image data is outputto the image processing unit 17. Alternatively, instead of the use ofthe color line sensor 23, the light may be measured by using linesensors which are exclusive for each of the colors with respective colorfilters of R, G and B arranged in monochrome line sensors. Atwo-dimensional image sensor may be used without using the line sensor.Image data can be obtained in a stopped state of the negative film 10 byusing the two-dimensional sensor.

The image processing unit 17 is a processing unit for processing imagedata considering input magnetic information. It outputs processed imagedata to a color line printer 25 of the paper processing unit 120. Thepaper processing unit 120 is constituted to include the color lineprinter 25 and a paper processor 27. A lengthy color paper sheet 26 isloaded in the color line printer 25. The color line printer 25 performsmain scanning in the widthwise direction of the color paper sheet 26 byusing a laser beam, and performs sub-scanning by feeding the color papersheet 26 by using pairs of feed rollers 28 at a speed coinciding with aprocessing speed of the paper processor 27. Thus the color paper sheet26 is exposed and printed on the basis of image data from the imageprocessing unit 17. The color paper sheet 26 which has been subjected tothe exposure and printing is fed to the paper processor 27 as it is, andis developed and processed in the paper processor 27. After completionof the development processing, the color paper sheet 26 is cut forindividual frames in the paper processor 27, to be discharged to aphotograph receiving tray 29.

As shown in FIG. 3, the image processing unit 17 is constituted toinclude a main microprocessor 68. Image data of three colors output fromthe image reading circuit 24 are input into the image processing unit17. The image data of three colors are converted into digital data in anA/D converter 40, and are output to a noise removing circuit 42. Thenoise removing circuit 42 is a circuit for removing noises generatedduring the conversion into digital data or the like. It removes noisesby multiplying the image data, for example, by a coefficient (1-k). Theimage data are output to a three-port frame memory 44. The frame memory44 has functions to output image data each having different transferspeeds. Namely, by allowing the frame memory 44 to have two types ofoutput functions having different transfer speeds, the image data can beoutputted at an approximately identical timing to peripheral equipmenthaving different transfer speeds (for example, equipment havingdifferent transfer speeds such as CRT and a photograph printer). In thefollowings, the output of the frame memory 44 corresponding to a slowtransfer speed is an output A, and the output of the frame memory 44corresponding to a fast transfer speed is an output B. The output A hasa transfer speed for output to the printer, and the output B has atransfer speed for display on CRT.

The image data from the output B are subjected to γ-correction in alook-up table memory (hereinafter referred to as "LUT") 60 for CRT, andare input into a D/A converter 62. In the D/A converter 62, inputdigital signals are converted into analog signals. The converted analogsignals are input into CRT 64. LUT 60 is provided for density conversionto enable optimum display on CRT. LUT 60 is constituted by a high speedmemory. It can convert color tone by previously writing datacorresponding to each address from the main microprocessor 68. The mainmicroprocessor 68 can conduct rewriting of data of LUT 60 as well as,for example, rewriting of data of LUT 54 as described below, change ofcoefficient of color correction matrix, selection of index format,instruction of print size to the color printer 25, and setting of imagedata to be output from a selector 52. Additionally, the mainmicroprocessor 68 is also connected to a memory/timing controller 66.

The image data from the output A are transferred to the printer, and thesame image data are output to an image interpolation circuit 48. Namely,the image data are read from the output A of the frame memory 44 whenthe image data of images frozen in the frame memory 44 are transferredto the printer. The image data are input into LUT 54 for the printerthrough the selector 52. LUT 54 for the printer is provided forgradation conversion of the image data from the frame memory 44.Correction data corresponding to correction values inputted from akeyboard are stored in LUT 54. The gradation is converted on the basisof the correction data. The image data subjected to the gradationconversion are conformed to color characteristics of the color papersheet or the like by using a color correction matrix circuit 56, and areoutput to the line printer 25 through an interface (I/F) 58 for theprinter.

The image data to be input into the image interpolation circuit 48,which are the image data from the output A, are used as image data forindex printing. The image interpolation circuit 48 contracts andinterpolate the images in order to adapt the images frozen in the framememory 44 to a size of a index frame based on a predetermined frame size(for example, L size). The index frame is an image frame correspondingto one image formed on an index print including images contained in oneroll of photographic film on one print. For the contractinginterpolation, for example, the interpolation may be conducted bythinning out the image data belonging to an image in accordance with apredetermined pattern or predetermined intervals. The imageinterpolation circuit 48 is connected to an index format storing unit 46which stores index formats differing in accordance with the number offrames contained in one roll of photographic film (see FIGS. 7, 8 and9). The image data of images contracted in the image interpolationcircuit 48 are output to a frame memory 50 for index printing.Accordingly, when the printing for one roll of photographic film iscompleted, the frame memory 50 for index printing stores the image datato enable formation of one print in a form in which all images on oneroll of photographic film are adapted to a size of index frames.Accordingly, setting of the selector 52 to the side of the frame memory50 upon completion of printing for one roll of photographic film allowsinput into LUT 54 for the printer in the same manner as the transfer ofthe image data of images frozen in the aforementioned frame memory 44 tothe printer. The image data subjected to the gradation conversion in LUT54 for the printer are conformed to color characteristics of the colorpaper sheet or the like by the color correction matrix circuit 54, andare output to the line printer 25 through the interface (I/F) 58 for theprinter.

In this embodiment, as for the index format described above, an indexformat Fa for 15 frames (FIG. 7) is used for a negative film in whichthe number of frames capable of use for photographing on one roll ofnegative film 10 is not more than 15 frames. An index format Fb for 27frames (FIG. 8) is used for a negative film in which the number offrames capable of use for photographing exceeds 15 frames but is notmore than 27 frames. An index format Fc for 39 frames (FIG. 9) is usedfor a negative film in which the number of frames capable of use forphotographing exceeds 27 frames but is not more than 39 frames. Thesecorresponding relations are because ordinary negative films arecommercially available as having numbers of frames capable of use forphotographing of 12, 24 and 36 frames, and those having 27 or 39 framesare commercially available for use for convenient cameras or the like.Accordingly, by using three types of index formats, it is possible tooptimally classify substantially all types of negative films into threeso as to enable forming of one sheet of index format print for each typeof negative films. Sizes of height and width change for each of theindex formats. However, it is possible to form prints of each size witha coincident length in the widthwise direction. When forming prints ofeach of the sizes with a coincident length in the widthwise direction,the size of index frames can be determined to make coincidence. Thepresent invention does not limit the type of the index format to thethree types, and two or four or more types are acceptable. For example,it is possible to deal with groups of films having numbers of photographframes which are different from those described above (for example,negative films having 25 or 40 frames), by adding an exclusive indexformat which is different from those described above, or an optimumformat for preparing one sheet of index print for each of those negativefilms.

As shown in FIG. 7, the index format Fa for 15 frames has a print sizecorresponding to the L size (89×127 mm, aspect ratio: 1.46), which isset to be able to accommodate index frames 92 of 15 frames (4×4 frames,1 frame: label section) in the L size print. A lower section under eachof the index frames 92 is a print number section 94 for printing anumeral corresponding to a frame number. A blank space continued to thefinal index frame 92₁₅ is a label section 96 for printing informationsuch as date of generation of the index print, film number and filmtype.

As shown in FIG. 8, the index format Fb for 27 frames has a print sizecorresponding to the H size (high-vision: HDTV, high quality televisionsize, 89×158 mm, aspect ratio: 1.78), which is set to be able toaccommodate index frames 92 of 27 frames (7×4 frames, 1 frame: labelsection) in the H size print. A print number section 94 is provided at alower section under each of the index frames 92. A label section 96 isprovided at a blank space continued to the final index frame 92₂₇.Similarly, the index format Fc for 39 frames shown in FIG. 9 has a printsize corresponding to the P size (panorama size, 89×254 mm, aspectratio: 2.85), which is set to be able to accommodate index frames 92 of39 frames (10×4 frames, 1 frame: label section) in the P size print. Aprint number section 94 is provided at a lower section under each of theindex frames 92. A label section 96 is provided at a blank spacecontinued to the final index frame 92₃₉.

It is also possible that the contents to be written in the label section96 described above are written outside the region of the index frames,and an index frame is arranged at the label section 96 to increase thenumber of frames.

The negative film 10 used in this embodiment will now be explained withreference to FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown in FIG. 5, the negative film 10 hasan emulsion layer 31 provided on an upper surface of a transparent base30 for an image to be exposed and recorded. A magnetic recording layer32 including a transparent magnetic material applied on an entiresurface of the negative film 10 is provided on a lower surface of thetransparent base 30 in FIG. 5. In the magnetic recording layer 32,magnetic particles contained as a magnetic layer have a reduced chargingfactor to decrease the optical transmitting density.

As shown in FIG. 6, magnetic recording and reading regions to be used inthis embodiment comprise tracks S1, S2, S3 and S4 at a portion with norecorded image frame 34 at a forward end of the negative film 10, andtracks T1, T2, T3 and T4 corresponding to each of the image frames 34.The magnetic recording layer 32 described above may be formed byapplication along the longitudinal direction of the negative film 10without the region of the image frames 34 on the negative film 10. Thenegative film 10 is provided with a plurality of perforations P tocorrespond to the image frames 34 to be photographed by a camera (notshown). In the example in FIG. 6, a pair of perforations P arerespectively provided at the forward end of the negative film 10, at aportion for recording information of camera or the like beforephotographing, and near the end of the image frame corresponding to theimage frame 34 subjected to photographing. For example, the tracks S1 toS4 are regions for recording information required for each roll of thenegative film 10, that is information of the number of those capable ofuse for photographing in this embodiment (i.e., the number of frames),and the tracks T1 to T4 are regions for recording information requiredfor each of the image frames 34.

As shown in FIG. 4, the line printer 25 includes semiconductor lasers72a, 72b and 72c. Each of the semiconductor lasers 72a, 72b and 72c isenergized by a printer controller 70 including a microprocessor (notshown). The semiconductor laser 72a projects a laser beam L1 in aninfrared region having a wavelength of, for example, 670 nm. Thesemiconductor lasers 72b and 72c respectively project laser beams L2 andL3 having wavelengths of 810 nm and 750 nm. The wavelengths of the laserbeams L1, L2 and L3 correspond to each of colors of magenta, yellow andcyan subjected to color development upon exposure of the color papersheet 26. Each of the semiconductor lasers for projecting the laserbeams L1, L2 and L3 of these wavelengths are available extremely easily.

A collimator lens 74a for converting the laser beam L1 into a parallelluminous flux is arranged on a side of projection of the laser beam ofthe semiconductor laser 72a. A cylindrical lens 76a and a reflectionmirror 78A are provided, being distanced from the collimator lens 74a bypredetermined intervals. In the same manner, collimator lenses 74b, 74care respectively arranged on sides of projection of the laser beams ofthe semiconductor lasers 72b and 72c. Cylindrical lenses 76b, 76c areprovided, being distanced from the collimator lenses 74b, 74c bypredetermined intervals.

Dichroic mirrors 78a, 78b are arranged on the light path of the laserbeams L2, L3 transmitting through the cylindrical lenses 76b, 76c. Thereflection mirror 78A has the same inclination angle as those of thedichroic mirrors 78a, 78b to lead each of the laser beams L1, L2 and L3to an identical light path LL. The dichroic mirror 78a transmits thelaser beam L1, and reflects the laser beam L2. On the other hand, thedichroic mirror 78b has a function to transmit the laser beams L1 and L2and reflect the laser beam L3.

The laser beams L1, L2 and L3 having arrived at the identical light pathLL are reflected by reflection mirrors 78B, 78C, and then proceed to apolygon mirror 80. The polygon mirror 80 rotates in a direction of anarrow. The laser beams L1, L2 and L3 reflected by the polygon mirror 80pass through an fθ lens 82. They are reflected by a cylindrical mirror84 for surface error correction, and subjected to main scanning in adirection of an arrow A on the color paper sheet 26. The color papersheet 26 is fed by rotation of the feed rollers 28 in a direction ofsub-scanning (direction of an arrow B) approximately perpendicular tothe main scanning direction. Thus an image is formed on the color papersheet 26. The feed rollers 28 are rotated by a driving means (not shown)connected to the printer controller 70.

The semiconductor laser 72a described above is a semiconductor laser ofan anode common type constituted by a laser diode and a photodiode. Thelaser diode projects the laser beam L1 in accordance with a controlsignal (modulation signal) from the printer controller 70. Thephotodiode detects an optical output of the laser beam L1 projected fromthe laser diode. The semiconductor laser 72b is a semiconductor laser ofa cathode common type constituted by a laser diode and a photodiode. Thesemiconductor laser 72c is a semiconductor laser of a cathode commontype constituted by a laser diode and a photodiode. These semiconductorlasers 72a, 72b and 72c (namely the laser diodes and the photodiodes)are connected to the printer controller 70.

The line printer 25 has a function to expose cut marks shown in FIG. 11to be positioned at blank spaces between exposed adjacent frames on thecolor paper sheet 26 upon completion of input of the image data, or inaccordance with a control signal from the main processor 68. The colorpaper sheet 26 is cut into individual printed and exposed frames byusing a cutter (not shown) after drying the color paper sheet 26 in thepaper processor 27 on the basis of the cut marks 88.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained. At first, whenthe negative film 10 after development processing is arranged in thephotograph printer 100, a main control routine in FIG. 1 is executed. Ina step 202, the negative film 10 is fed, and magnetic informationrecorded on the negative film 10 is read in a step 204 in accordancewith the feed. In the next step 206, the number of frames of thenegative film capable of use for photographing is extracted from theread magnetic information, and a corresponding index format is selectedaccording to the extracted number of frames. Namely, as described above,the three types of index formats Fa, Fb and Fc are stored beforehand inthis embodiment, in which the index format Fa is selected in the case ofnot more than 15 frames, the index format Fb is selected in the case ofexceeding 15 frames but not more than 27 frames, or the index format Fcis selected in the case of exceeding 27 frames but not more than 39frames.

In the next step 208, the index print size is determined correspondingto the selected index format. Namely, the size is determined to the Lsize when the index format Fa is selected, to the H size when the indexformat Fb is selected, or to the P size when the index format Fc isselected. In the next step 210, the negative film 10 is subjected toexposure processing for each of the frames. In the exposure processingin the step 210, as described in detail below, the image data for indexprinting are also accumulated in accordance with the index format.

When the exposure processing for each of images is completed for oneroll of the negative film 10, the routine proceeds to a step 212 to readthe image data for index printing stored in the frame memory 50 (seeFIG. 3). In the next step 214, exposure processing of images to beformed by the read image data, that is index printing of index printimages is conducted. Upon completion of the exposure processing, themark 88 for cutting the index print is exposed in the next step 216 inaccordance with the index print size determined in the step 208, andthis routine is ended.

Upon proceeding to the exposure processing for every one frame of thenegative film 10 in the step 210 described above, the negative film 10is fed, and magnetic information for every frame is read in a step 250in FIG. 10. In the next step 252, the image frame is positioned to anexposure position, and the image of the positioned image frame is read.The exposure processing is conducted by using the color line printer 25according to the image data of the read image, the image data of theimage in exposure are converted into an image for index printing (toadapt to the index frame 92), and the converted image data are stored inthe frame memory 50 (steps 254, 256). After completion of the exposureprocessing for every image frame, the marks 88 (FIG. 11) are exposed inthe next step 258 for cutting of the color paper sheet 26 into the sizecorresponding to the image frames. The processing described above isrepeatedly executed until completion for all image frames on one roll ofthe negative film 10 (step 260).

As described above, in this embodiment, the images are adapted to eachof the index frames of the index format determined in accordance withthe number of photograph frames, and the size of the generated indexprint is set to the predetermined size. Thus the index print can beformed on one sheet with the identical size of the index frames in anyof the print sizes of the L, H and P sizes usually used as the printsize irrelevant to the number of photograph frames on the negative film,and the color paper sheet 26 can be utilized effectively without loss.

When the print of each size is formed with a coincident length in thewidthwise direction of the color paper sheet, the print of photographedimages is respectively formed in a desired size, and the size of thegenerated index frames is coincident irrelevant to the number ofphotograph frames. Therefore, the index frame is never reduced due tothe number of photograph frames. Thus it is possible to produce theindex print which can be distinguished easily.

The instance in which all images read from the negative film 10 areindex-printed has been explained in the embodiment described above,however, the present invention can be also applied to an instance inwhich only images read from the negative film 10 as images to be printedare printed (exposed and processed). In this instance, the number ofprinted frames is counted, and the counted value may be treated as thenumber of photograph frames. When images corresponding to only printedimages are index-printed, the number of printed frames is counted, andthe index format may be selected in accordance with the counted value.This procedure is preferable for utilizing the color paper sheet withoutloss because the index print can be produced by skipping index frameshaving no necessity for printing due to exposure failure and the like.

When only images having necessity for printing are printed (exposed andprocessed) as described above, the index print may be formed byselecting the index format in accordance with the number of photographframes capable of use for photographing on one roll of the negativefilm, so that index frames corresponding to frames which are not printedare blank spaces. By doing so, frames having no necessity for printingdue to exposure failure and the like can be easily distinguished fromthe index print. Thus a user (photographer) can judge an optimumphotographing condition in the case of, for example, continuedphotographing.

In the embodiment described above, the application to the negative filmphotographed with an identical frame size is easily understood, however,alternative application is also possible to a negative film in which aplurality of different frame sizes are present in a mixed manner. Forexample, a cinema size (89×205 mm, aspect ratio: 2.30) and a square size(89×89 mm, aspect ratio: 1.0) are known other than the sizes describedabove. The application to a negative film having a plurality ofdifferent frame sizes in a mixed manner is possible in order to obtainthese print sizes.

Namely, in general, the print size is changed by changing the length inthe feed direction while setting the width of a roll paper sheet to beconstant. For example, when a second print image frame 90₂ has the Lsize, a third print image frame 90₃ has the P size, and a fourth printimage frame 90₄ has the L size, as shown in FIG. 12, sizes havingchanged lengths in the feed direction are used. In this instance, theimages may be contracted or enlarged in the image interpolation circuit48 described above to adapt them to the index frames by using apredetermined frame size (for example, L size) as a standard. Therefore,as shown in FIG. 13, the index print of a negative film in which aplurality of different frame sizes are present in a mixed manner isformed by adapting each photograph frame of the negative film to thesize of the index frame in each index frame. By doing so, frame sizescontained in one roll of negative film can be also distinguished easilyfrom the index print. Also in this instance, the size of the index printis determined in accordance with the number of frames. Thus the indexprint can be formed on one sheet with the identical size of the indexframes in the set print size irrelevant to the number of photographframes of the negative film, and the color paper sheet 26 can beutilized effectively without loss.

In the embodiment described above, the instance in which the index printis produced for one roll of negative film has been explained. However,alternative application is also possible to a lengthy roll film formedby connecting a plurality of negative films. In this instance, it isavailable to judge whether or not another negative film is continuedafter completion of the processing for every one roll of negative filmin the flow chart in FIG. 1 described above. Namely, in the step 260 inFIG. 10, splice tapes for connecting negative films or perforations aredetected to judge whether or not an film end is reached. Upon detectionof them, it is judged that the processing for one roll of negative filmis completed. In this instance, a sort signal for representing an orderof each of negative films may be used. Further, an operator may instructcompletion of processing for one roll of negative film by means of keyinput. After completion of the step 216 in FIG. 1, it is judged whetheror not the negative film is continued. In the case of continuance, theroutine returns to the step 202, while in the case of discontinuance,the routine is ended.

The size of the index print is determined in accordance with the numberof frames of a film. Accordingly, a user or an operator of a DPE storeor laboratory can also judge the number of frames contained in the filmby only glancing the index print.

The application to the color printer has been explained in theembodiment described above, however, alternative application to amonochrome printer is also possible. The printing exposure has beenperformed by scanning the color paper sheet by using the laser beams,however, the printing exposure may be performed by using a flat CRT or aliquid crystal line printer.

According to the present invention, as explained above, the index printis produced corresponding to the predetermined index format information,and images to be printed on photographic paper having an approximatelycoincident size are produced. Thus an effect is obtained that the indexof a photographic film can be formed on one index print, and thephotographic paper can be used effectively irrelevant to the number ofphotograph frames.

While the embodiments of the present invention, as herein disclosed,constitute a preferred form, it is to be understood that other formsmight be adopted.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for preparing index printscomprising:image storing means for storing images obtained by imagepick-up from photograph frames formed on a photographic film; photographframe number detecting means for detecting a number of photograph frameson said photographic film; storing means for storing a plurality ofindex format information for arrangements of said photograph frames;selecting means for selecting an index format from said plurality ofindex format information in accordance with said number of photographframes; and forming means for forming an index print of saidphotographic film by printing said stored images onto printing paper tocorrespond to the selected index format, wherein the size of the imagesto be printed onto said printing paper is previously determined, and thesize of the printing paper is determined depending on the number of thestored images.
 2. An apparatus for preparing index printscomprising:image storing means for storing images obtained by imagepick-up from photograph frames formed on a photographic film; photographframe number detecting means for detecting a number of photograph frameson said photographic film; storing means for storing a plurality ofindex format information for arrangements of said photograph frames;selecting means for selecting an index format from said plurality ofindex format information in accordance with said number of photographframes; determining a size for a means for determining photographicpaper in accordance with said selected index format information; andforming means for forming an index print of said photographic film bysequentially printing said images stored in said image storing meansonto the printing paper having said determined size corresponding to anarrangement of said selected index format information selected by saidselecting means.
 3. The apparatus for preparing index prints accordingto claim 2, wherein said photograph frame number detecting means readsphotograph frame number information for representing a number of allphotograph frames on said photographic film previously recorded on saidphotographic film, and detects said photograph frame number informationas said number of photograph frames of said photographic film.
 4. Theapparatus for preparing index prints according to claim 2, wherein saidphotograph frame number detecting means calculates a number of allphotograph frames capable of use for photographing on said photographicfilm according to a distance of feed of said photographic film, anddetects said calculated number of all photograph frames as said numberof photograph frames of said photographic film.
 5. The apparatus forpreparing index prints according to claim 2, wherein said photographframe number detecting means counts a number of all photograph framescapable of use for photographing on said photographic film, and detectssaid counted number of all photograph frames as said number ofphotograph frames of said photographic film.
 6. The apparatus forpreparing index prints according to claim 2, wherein a number of allphotograph frames capable of use for photographing on said photographicfilm is previously input into said apparatus, and said photograph framenumber detecting means detects said input number of all photographframes as said number of photograph frames of said photographic film. 7.The apparatus for preparing index prints according to claim 2, whereinsaid photograph frame number detecting means reads photograph framenumber information for representing a number of all photograph frames ofsaid photographic film previously recorded on said photographic film,counts a number of photograph frames having photographic failure, anddetects a value obtained by subtracting said number of photograph frameshaving photographic failure from said number of all photograph frames assaid number of photograph frames of said photographic film.
 8. Theapparatus for preparing index prints according to claim 2, wherein saidphotograph frame number detecting means calculates a number of allphotograph frames capable of use for photographing on said photographicfilm according to a distance of feed of said photographic film, counts anumber of photograph frames having photographic failure, and detects avalue obtained by subtracting said number of photograph frames havingphotographic failure from said number of all photograph frames as saidnumber of photograph frames of said photographic film.
 9. The apparatusfor preparing index prints according to claim 2, wherein said photographframe number detecting means counts a number of all photograph framescapable of use for photographing on said photographic film, counts anumber of photograph frames having photographic failure, and detects avalue obtained by subtracting said number of photograph frames havingphotographic failure from said number of all photograph frames as saidnumber of photograph frames of said photographic film.
 10. The apparatusfor preparing index prints according to claim 2, wherein said pluralityof index format information stored in said storing means include anindex format for 15 frames used for a negative film wherein the numberof frames capable of use for photographing on one roll of negative filmis not more than 15 frames, an index format for 27 frames used for anegative film wherein the number of frames capable of use forphotographing exceeds 15 frames but is not more than 27 frames, and anindex format for 39 frames used for a negative film wherein the numberof frames capable of use for photographing exceeds 27 frames but is notmore than 39 frames.
 11. The apparatus for preparing index printsaccording to claim 10, wherein said determining means determines to usephotographic paper having a size corresponding to an L size when saidselecting means selects said index format for 15 frames, saiddetermining means determines to use photographic paper having a sizecorresponding to an H size when said selecting means selects said indexformat for 27 frames, and said determining means determines to usephotographic paper having a size corresponding to a P size when saidselecting means selects said index format for 39 frames.
 12. A methodfor preparing index prints comprising the steps of:reading magneticinformation comprising a number of photograph frames of a negative filmin accordance with feed of said negative film; selecting an index formataccording to said read number of photograph frames of said negativefilm; determining printing paper size corresponding to said selectedindex format; exposing and processing each frame of said negative filmto accumulate image data corresponding to said selected index format;reading said accumulated image data upon completion of the exposureprocessing of said negative film to conduct index printing on saidprinting paper by using said read image data; and cutting said printingpaper subjected to the index printing in accordance with the selectedindex format.
 13. A method for preparing index prints comprising thesteps of:reading magnetic information comprising a number of photographframes of a negative film; selecting an index format according to saidread number of photograph frames of said negative film; determiningprinting paper size corresponding to said selected index format;exposing and processing each frame of said negative film to accumulateimage data; reading said accumulated image data to conduct indexprinting on said printing paper by using said read image data.
 14. Anapparatus for preparing index prints from frames of a photographic filmcomprising:image storing means for storing images obtained by imagepick-up from frames formed on the photographic film; counting means forcounting a number of frames on the photographic film; format storingmeans for storing a plurality of index format information forarrangement of frames; selecting means, responsive to said countingmeans, for selecting an index format from said plurality of index formatinformation stored in said format storing means in accordance with thecounted number of frames; determining means, responsive to saidselecting means, for determining a size for a photographic paper, andfor varying at least one of: the length and width of the photographicpaper in accordance with said selected index format; and forming meansfor forming an index print of the photographic film by printing thestored images onto printing paper as determined by said determiningmeans and said selected index format.